Andrew Pelechaty previews the clash between Manly Warringah and the Gold Coast at Glen Willow Oval. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee, Date: Saturday April 17, Time: 3pm
Sea Eagles Team
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Brad Parker
4. Morgan Harper
5. Reuben Garrick
6. Kieran Foran
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Martin Taupau
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Josh Schuster
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Cade Cust
15. Toafofoa Sipley
16. Sean Keppie
17. Josh Aloiai
18. Tevita Funa
19. Zac Saddler
20. Christian Tuipulotu
21. Ben Trbojevic
Team Changes
IN: Ben Trbojevic
Cade Cust
Christian Tuipulotu
Haumole Olakau’atu
Tom Trbojevic
Titans Team
1. AJ Brimson
2. Phillip Sami
3. Brian Kelly
4. Patrick Herbert
5. Corey Thompson
6. Ashley Taylor
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Jarrod Wallace
9. Mitch Rein
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Kevin Proctor
12. David Fifita
13. Tyrone Peachey
14. Moeaki Fotuaika
15. Sam Lisone
16. Jaimin Jolliffe
17. Erin Clark
18. Beau Fermor
19. Herman Ese’ese
20. Sam McIntyre
21. Jonus Pearson
Team Changes
IN: Herman Ese’ese
Jonus Pearson
Sam McIntyre
OUT:
Referee: Chris Butler
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Sea Eagles
Embed from Getty ImagesManly Warringah finally won a game in 2021, with a tense 13-12 result over the NZ Warriors. As he’s done so often, Daly Cherry-Evans kicked the clutch field goal in the final minute. Having not seen any NRL footy since May 2019, the Mudgee locals will be looking forward to this game. As the de-facto home team, Manly should enjoy plenty of support in this NSW vs QLD battle.
There’s a massive inclusion for the Sea Eagles, with Tom Trbjovic back for the first time since round 19 last year, also against the Titans.
The question is, will Turbo’s return produce immediate results, or will he need a few weeks to find his feet?
Titans
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Gold Coast made the most of a beautiful Robina Saturday afternoon, belting the struggling Newcastle Knights 42-16 in round five. David Fifita (three), Corey Thompson (two), and Patrick Herbert (two) scored seven of the Titans’ eight tries. They’ve improved dramatically since their disappointing opening round loss to the Warriors. While we’re only one-fifth of the way through a long season, the Titans already look like a finals team, though bigger tests await.
PREVIEW
While the Titans look settled and confident, most of questions revolve around Manly.
Was their win over the Warriors the start of a winning run or just a false down?
As mentioned earlier, can Tommy Turbo give the Sea Eagles an immediate boost?
Will taking their home game to Mudgee help them?
There’s a reason why Manly sit in second-last place, as they’ve been towelled up by the Sydney Roosters (42 points), St George Illawarra (26), and Penrith (40).
By contrast, the Titans are flying, shrugging aside their round one loss to the Warriors to comfortably beat Brisbane, North Queensland, and Newcastle, and were competitive in the loss against Canberra. They put 40 on the Cowboys and Knights, and should’ve lapped the Broncos after a dominant first half.
If the Titans are to be taken seriously as a finals team, they must beat the teams below them (like Manly). If they can carry the momentum from the Knights’ game over to Mudgee, they should win comfortably, especially if Fifita gets going again.
KEY STAT
The head-to-head between these two is tight, with Manly ahead 11-10, and the Titans winning two of the last three.
PREDICTION
The Titans are full of confidence after some big wins, so they should beat Manly comfortably. The Sea Eagles will be hoping Turbo hits the ground running, which may make this game closer than expected.
Titans by 12.
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